Mike Giesbrecht

  When you’re shopping for a new home, you’ll likely have a list of "must-haves" that are essential to your ideal living space. However, there are circumstances in which it may be worth compromising on your list of non-negotiables. Location While having four bedrooms or a large backyard may be high on your priority list, a desirable location with easy access to schools, work, and amenities ...

  When you’re selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. One compelling strategy that has been gaining traction is the application of Feng Shui principles to home staging. How? Embracing Feng Shui staging techniques starts with decluttering. Clutter restricts the free flow of 'chi' or positive energy. Hence, a clean, clutter-free space is crucial. It promot ...

By all accounts, remote working is here to stay. In fact, according to a survey by McKinsey & Co (a research institute), 58% of workers say they can work at home at least part of the time. So, highlighting the remote working potential of your listing can be a major selling point. One thing you can do is stage your home by creating a home office space of some kind. It doesn’t have to take u ...

Landscaping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when selling your home in autumn. However, the outside of your home is still the first thing buyers see, so it’s worth exploring ways to update your landscaping to create a cozy and welcoming feel. Here are just a few ideas: Add potted plants: Potted plants are an easy way to make your outdoors more attractive, especially along w ...

Buyers will notice closets, storage rooms, and other storage spaces. So, it pays to make those areas look as spacious and functional as possible. Here are some tips on how to maximize your storage spaces and make them more appealing to buyers: Declutter and organize: A cluttered and disorganized storage space can give the impression that there isn't enough room. Start by decluttering and ...

Curb appeal is important. It’s the first thing buyers see when they drive up to your home — and, often, the first impression they get. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to achieve a great-looking exterior. Here are some simple and affordable ideas for enhancing your home's curb appeal: Add a fresh coat of paint: One of the easiest ways to make your home look brand new is by a ...

Are you thinking about finding your next home? It can be tricky balancing what you want with what you can practically afford. Here are some tips that can make buying your dream home more doable: Save for a larger down payment. A larger down payment can lower your monthly mortgage costs and possibly help you get a better interest rate. Look at neighbourhoods that are less “in demand.” So ...

When it comes to selling your home, preparing the exterior can be just as important as preparing the interior. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it can greatly impact their first impression of your property. Luckily, there are several low-cost outdoor improvements that will make your home more appealing to buyers. First, consider adding some potted plan ...

There are several ways to make the selling process easy and relatively stress-free. One way is to create a selling timeline that fits your needs, lifestyle, and capabilities. Say you’d like to list your home in four weeks and expect it to be on the market for an additional four weeks. That’s an eight-week timeline. How do you create a manageable schedule that works for you? Try these steps ...

When prospective buyers visit your listed home, the room they tend to check out most closely is the kitchen. So, it pays to ensure it looks its best. However, no matter how tidy, clean, and well-adorned you’ve made your kitchen, there are some issues — which can seem minor — that can distract a buyer from appreciating those positive qualities. Here are just a few to watch out for: Stai ...